Why Donatello is not turtle worthy

This is, quite possibly, the BEST lecture on the Italian High Renaissance artists that I know of. All of the credit is given, once again, to Dr. Richard Gergel. He tells this story with the most passion, since he LOVES architecture. Soon you will understand what I am talking about, so here we go:

Everyone knows that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael. Three of these are Italian High Renaissance artists and one is not. Can you guess which one is not? (this is where the Jeopardy theme song would be playing)

If you said Donatello, then you are correct. Donatello was part of the EARLY Italian Renaissance and died in 1466, a good 30 some years before the High Renaissance in Italy began. And so, based on this fact, Donatello is not turtle worthy (in some opinions). The other three are definitely Italian High Renaissance artists, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael. So who should have been the fourth turtle? The answer: Bramante. He was the architect of the day and famous for his work on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It should be noted here that he did not build or design this building himself...he just aided in part of it. I believe it was started by Constantine and then worked on by several other architects in the future (including Michelangelo!). But has anyone ever heard of Bramante? No! Plus Donatello has a nicer ring to it than Bramante. Bramante just does not fit with the other names like Donatello does. And so, poor Bramante is not the fourth turtle as he should be.

Well, bunny readers, here is the art history lesson that should have been posted yesterday, but I forgot about it. I have a head cold coming on...yuck...and have been a little out of it. Tune in next week for more fun with art history! I think I will continue this series with the Italian High Renaissance artists for now. They are fascinating individuals.